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We rely on our vast military to protect us from large scale attack on our land and our citizens, but self-defense against more localized, up-close-and-personal attacks is a matter of personal choice and personal responsibility.
While violent crime and assault statistics in the U.S. are stable and decreasing in some parts of the country, the nature of violent crime has changed, involving more lethal force and more attacks on women and minorities.
Also, as more lethality is encountered by law enforcement personnel, their protection needs have become more critical.
Further complicating matters, items sold to consumers for self-defense (such as chemical sprays and taser guns) can be utilized just as well by criminals.
Furthermore, many civilians find that local and state laws inhibit their ability to obtain and use these products.
For example, pepper spray is legal in all 50 states, but there are restrictions as to potency (Michigan), purchase outlets (New York), age/license requirements (Massachusetts) and size of canister (California).
Many of the products used by the general public are also effectively used by law enforcement personnel, albeit in stronger formulations. They are important tools in the art of non-lethal apprehension of criminals and other law breakers.
Good chemistry
Most of us are familiar with MACE, also known as tear gas. This was the most popular personal chemical self-defense spray product for many years. However, newer products including pepper sprays have proven to be more effective than MACE.
The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, found in plants such as chiles. As we all know the stinging effects of chiles and jalapeño, it is no surprise that these fruits contain some powerful irritants.
Pepper spray, which can be effective for up to 45 minutes, attacks the eyes and the mucous membranes. It is not water-soluble, therefore other agents such as milk and mild soap are useful in washing it out of the eyes.
Unlike MACE, which is an irritant, pepper spray is an inflammatory it will constrict breathing passages and create a burning sensation in the eyes. MACE (tear gas) will simply cause eye tearing and burning.
Some pepper sprays are delivered in foam solutions. Some law enforcement personnel prefer these products since the effects of the spray stay localized to the intended victim and the fumes remain out of contact from arresting officers.
For the consumer, pepper spray is available in either the self-evident spray bottle marked with brand and product identification, or disguised inside of seemingly common, harmless personal items such as lipstick tubes or on keychains.
A new version of pepper spray features delivery in a gel-like substance, which proponents claim offers longer distance, stronger pepper effect, and greater adhesion to affected surfaces.
Companies such as Personal Security Products (Little Rock, Arkansas) now market a pepper spray designed for use against bears and other large, potentially dangerous animals.
While pepper sprays for people will in theory work against animals, dog and bear sprays are a better choice for both attacker and attackee.
"Don't tase me, bro"
Tasers have been in the news lately, allegedly misused by security and law enforcement personnel.
The name "Taser" comes from its inventor and is an acronym for "Thomas A. Swift's Electric Rifle." The inventor's name was Jack Cover; however, he chose to honor the fictitious Tom Swift with the name. The origin of the device dates back to 1969.
Stun guns, stun batons, air tasers and taser guns all harness battery-powered electrical current to temporarily disable targets. Stun guns cause violent and rapid muscle activity which causes victims to lose all strength for a brief period of time. The energy from a stun gun converts the victim's blood sugar to lactic acid, significantly weakening the victim.
Tasers also use electrical current to interfere with the victim's nervous system, causing loss of control over skeleto-muscular function and forcing muscular contractions that immobilize the victim.
Tasers work by propelling sharp metal wires with electrodes towards the target. Older tasers required skin penetration to be effective, modern tasers only require contact with skin, apparel or body armor.
Body armor & bulletproof vests
Today's generation of bulletproof vest and body armor is designed to keep pace with the type and lethality of weapons faced by law enforcement personnel in the line of duty.
Most vests and body armor incorporate layers of Kevlar®, a synthetic fiber that combines with fabric (and with the addition of ceramic plates in some applications) to stop shrapnel, bullets and other projectiles.
Vests and armor that consisted only of Kevlar fabric were competent at preventing the penetration of projectiles, but the hitting force of bullets sometimes would injure or kill the wearer due to blunt trauma injury to the chest cavity.
The addition of plates made of ceramic or other lightweight man-made materials were added to some vests and armor as a means to deal with blunt trauma injury. These plates could be fitted into pockets inside the vest in strategic areas to protect major internal organs. They are also designed to minimize added bulk and weight so that the wearer's mobility and flexibility is still good, and that the vest can still be concealed under clothing.
Retailers should be aware that the protective elements fo body armor degrade and lose effectiveness over time and with use. Ideally, all body armor sold by retailers should be new and unused. However, used body armor offers significant cost savings, and is safe to use in certain low-threat or low-lethality applications.
Suppliers of body armor and bulletproof vests will provide official ratings and performance standards that will help retailers choose the right products to sell.
author: BY MARK HAWVER